What is VSS?

The Virtual Switching System (VSS) is a clustering technology that combines two Cisco Catalyst 4500 or 6500 Series into a single virtual switch. In a VSS, the data plane of both clustered switches is active at the same time in both chassis. VSS members are connected by virtual switch links (VSLs) using standard Gigabit or 10 Gigabit Ethernet connections between the VSS members. VSLs can carry regular user traffic in addition to the control plane communication between the VSS members.